The idea came to them on a run, like most brilliant ideas usually do.
On a cool autumn day last year, three runners were jogging in Ty Warner Park, and thought “wouldn’t it be great to have a race in Westmont?”
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Want a free Beanie Baby? Participants registering for the 5k race will get a free toy. To register, go to www.beaniebaby5k.com. |
When the gun sounds for the start of the Westmont Beanie Baby 5k Run/Walk at 8 a.m. Sunday, their race will become a reality.The inaugural event will take place at Ty Warner Park, at Blackhawk and Plaza drives in Westmont. The race is a combination of runners and Westmont businessmen thinking alike.
Chris Johnson, Ty Inc.’s vice president of information systems, works out with a running club meeting at the Oak Brook Racquet & Fitness Club at 6 a.m. weekdays. That is where he met a business associate at the McCrone Group and his trainer at the fitness club. All three organizations decided to sponsor the race.
“We wanted to give back to the Police Department, and thank them for everything they do in Westmont,” said Johnson.
Johnson said many Westmont police officers work security for Ty on their off-days. Wanting to give back to the community, the organizers decided to donate race profits to the Police Department.
Specifically, the money will be used to purchase new bulletproof vests for the officers. According to police, the expense can get quite costly, considering each is about $500.
“We’ve had (the ones now) for a number of years, and they are breaking down,” said Westmont police Sgt. Paul Chrzanowski.
Race organizers predict the first-year race will draw about 150 participants, ranging from athletes training for a marathon to those looking to walk with their family.
Registration is $30, and is free for children age 10 and younger as long as they are accompanied by a participating adult. For more information, call the Oak Brook Racquet & Fitness Club at (630) 654-2442.
